Japan’s most funded startup has gone public, and its founder’s coming to Tech in Asia Tokyo

It’s official: a month after its announcement to go public, Metaps’ stock started trading on the Mothers Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange on August 28, at an opening price of JPY 3,040 (US$25). It recorded a market capitalization of over JPY 32 billion (US$263 million) after its first day of trading.

The startup has come a long way since its founding in 2007, especially for one with its roots in Japan – a place where startups hardly hit Series C. With its recent Series C round of US$36 million, Metaps has staked its claim as Japan’s most funded startup with a disclosed total funding of US$52.5 million.

Led by Katsuaki Sato, the app monetization platform is now touted as one of the top players in the big data space, translating user behaviour patterns into algorithms that can help maximize app revenue and optimize campaign performance. It claims to have hit 200 million users and 2 billion downloads.

Metaps is also diversifying fast. It has branched out into financial services with Spike, a fast-growing PayPal-type online payment service. Spike could expand into an all-encompassing financial service. Metaps is even thinking of dabbling in space technology in the near future.

With grand plans ahead and helmed by one of the country’s boldest entrepreneurs, Metaps’ IPO marks a pivotal yet exciting time for the company and its fans.

Now’s the time to get closer to Japan’s most funded startup, and also to meet the man behind Metaps. Founder and CEO Katsuaki Sato will be making his appearance at a fireside chat on September 9 at our Tokyo conference.

Don’t miss your last chance to grab passes and find out how Metaps made a name for itself.